The Asociación Humanitaria “San Francisco de Asis” is working to improve animal and community welfare in the rural villages of northern Peru.
Due to the high level of poverty and lack of education by animal owners, there is a high degree of neglect (both intentional and unintentional) being imposed on domestic animals. Companion animals, many of which run free in the towns and villages, are usually not neutered due to the high cost of veterinary care and the logistics of transportation to facilities, as well as lack of awareness on the part of the owners.
The Asociación attempts to address these issues through many community initiatives including:
- Education programmes in various rural communities and towns throughout northern Peru directed at teachers and children;
- Providing Mobile Veterinarian Clinics to small rural town and villages;
- Running an Animal Rehabilitation Centre for homeless/abandoned animals.
Mayhew International first met the President of the Asociación, Ms Rosemary Gordon, in 2005 at the Humane Society Expo. In 2006 Ms Gordon recommended one of her volunteer vets, Dr Victor Diaz, for The Mayhew International Veterinary Training Programme.
To read about Dr Diaz’s training at The Mayhew in June 2006, please click here.
As a young graduate with limited surgical experience, Dr Diaz acquired a solid foundation of general veterinary skills, and sterilisation techniques in particular, during his time at The Mayhew. After returning to Peru, he further honed his skills working with a visiting vet from Australia who volunteers at the Asociación Humanitaria one month every year.
In support of the Asociación Humanitaria “San Francisco de Asis”, Mayhew International will provide training for another vet, Dr Jierson Mendoza. Dr Mendoza is a full-time professor on the Veterinary Science Faculty of the National University of Piura; in his spare time he also volunteers at the Asociación Humanitaria. This is an exciting opportunity for Mayhew International as Dr Mendoza specialises in small animal surgery and his experience at The Mayhew will have the potential to influence both the veterinary skills and the concept of animal welfare in the next generation of vets in Peru. Dr Mendoza is currently confirmed a placement under The Mayhew International Veterinary Training Programme in June 2008.